The free-to-the-public, family-friendly festival will feature internationally-recognized performers and local blues legends alike.
The Baton Rouge Blues Foundation proudly brings the 25th annual Baton Rouge Blues Festival to downtown Baton Rouge Saturday, April 13, 2019, from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday, April, 14, 2019, from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m., located in and around Repentance Park and Galvez Plaza.
The free-to-the-public, family-friendly festival will feature internationally-recognized performers and local blues legends alike, including:
Mavis Staples
Kenny Neal, Lil Ray Neal and Tyree Neal
Henry Gray with special guests Bob Corritore and others
William Bell
Deacon John & The Ivories
Papa Grows Funk
Jonathon "Boogie" Long
Warren Storm & Willie Tee & The Band Cypress with Special Guests
Chris Leblanc Band with a Tribute to Lazy Lester
Quiana Lynell
Greyhounds
Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor
Cedric Burnside
Lil Freddie King
Sam Hogan
Smokehouse Porter & Miss Mamie
Chicago Al & the Backburners
Harvey Knox & The Soul Spectrum Band
Darcy Malone & the Tangle
Cedric Watson
Levee Road Revue
Killer Whale
Lane Mack
Hogy & the Healers
The Excelleauxs
Zion Harmonizers
Elder Timothy Britten & Shabach
Arthur Gremillion & Friends Community Choir
DeAndre Tate & Company
April "Sexy Red" Jackson
OMT
Sixteen of this year's performers have previously appeared at the festival, including Kenny Neal, Lil Ray Neal, Tyree Neal, Henry Gray, Jonathon "Boogie" Long, Chris Leblanc Band, Quiana Lynell, Henry Turner Jr. & Flavor, Lil Freddie King, Sam Hogan, Smokehouse Porter & Miss Mamie, Chicago Al & the Backburners, Harvey Knox & The Soul Spectrum Band, Darcy Malone & the Tangle, Levee Road Revue, The Excelleauxs and OMT. This will be Henry Gray’s 21st appearance at the festival.
In honor of the festival’s 25th anniversary, the Baton Rouge Blues Foundation is releasing a special commemorative pin. By purchasing this pin, attendees have an opportunity to invest in the future of the Baton Rouge Blues Festival and the swamp blues legacy. Pins will be available for purchase through the festival for a $10 donation.
In addition to celebrating the 25th anniversary, the festival will also be celebrating the legacy of Leslie ‘Lazy Lester’ Johnson who passed away on August 22, 2018. Lazy Lester was a staple at Blues Fest, sharing the stage with fellow performers and acting as the festival ambassador in recent years. Several performers will cover Lazy Lester’s songs during their sets throughout the weekend, as well as a full tribute to the swamp blues legend from the Chris Leblanc Band. Additionally, the 2019 commemorative poster, designed by Baton Rouge-based photographer Jordan Hefler, will honor Lazy Lester.
Contributed by the Baton Rouge Blues Festival